Each one in life has experienced those things which have caused pain, some leaving scars. Each scar serves as a platform for a narrative that we may or may not choose to share with others. We can be chained to repeated recitations concerning the things which we claim have injured us in some way. Some of those recitations may tend to focus on past offenses that can be traced all the way back to childhood.

We may claim freedom and yet consistently return to the scenes of our perceived victimization. We may believe it necessary to do so for the benefit of those to whom we feel an obligation to warn and to protect. That might certainly be so, but at times, revealed is the absence of healing within, bitterness, and unforgiveness.

The true witness is not found in the recitations of long held grievances but in the Joy of deliverance and wholeness in Christ today. It is more important that we invite others to focus, not on the sorrows of our upbringing, but, on the joys of our out bringing. The Lord is indeed our healer. Always emphasize the better part of your life story.

Psalm 40:3He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

The heart is the seat or the throne in the command center of your life. It is the place where the flag of whoever rules there is raised. All of the health of your personal universe is dependent upon the condition of the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)Guard your heart above all else,for it determines the course of your life.

Of all the words spoken and business undertaken within, and on behalf of the body of Christ, may the soon return of Christ always provide context, focus, and urgency.

Titus 2:11-1311 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

God given discernment does not sow the seeds of suspicion, nor does it provide a license to slander, but whispers essential counsel as to where to go, how to proceed, and who to move forward with.Proverbs 28:26Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

The battle that is most critical requires that we know that we are challenged by an enemy whose weapons are useless, who possesses no authority or power to take our joy, peace of mind, our identity, purpose or passion. The secured victory through Christ comes courtesy of the Love of our Heavenly Father.

We are raised up in Christ to overcome the most personal of all challenges, and that would involve the war that is raged against our minds. When we move in alignment with the Holy Spirit's leading, as the Spirit man that has been birthed in Christ through the washing of and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we walk with knowledge that we are heirs to everything that Christ’s death and resurrection has secured for us.

2 Corinthians 10:3-63 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled

As children of God, the Old nature no longer fosters our identity; it has no authority over that which now belongs to Christ, and yet Satan seeks to export its illegitimate claims, behaviors, and deadness through the flesh, its primary vehicle of choice. He seeks to carry on through one’s thoughts, words, and actions, to transport the child of God away from relational obedience and intimacy with his or her Father and from others born in Christ in the Spirit.​1 Peter 2:11-12Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Galatians 5:17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed iswilling, but the flesh is weak.”

Romans 13:12The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us puton the armor of light.

PENTECOST SUNDAY MESSAGE AT BETHEL(Below is an excerpt of Pastor Rick's message from Sunday, June 4th)

“Four days removed from life, in a sealed grave, the darkened atmosphere hung heavy with the stench of death. Then came the command of Christ roaring upon the silent void of this macabre scene.

The captor released its grip upon the tomb’s incumbent and lifeless frame, as the breath of God filled depleted lungs with resurrection life. The immaterial was re-joined with the physical as the insatiable appetite of decay was itself put to death.

The tomb was flooded with the breath of God's presence, delivering heaven’s command through the lips of the Resurrection and the Life, that this dead man, should not remain as such.

The fragrant breath of The Almighty blew the stench of death off of one no longer held its captive. Resurrected by The Word and Breath of God, Lazarus emerged from the darkness a dead man no more, that all the World should see that Jesus does not come to one’s grave to perfume decaying flesh, but to impart the breath of God.